With National Signing Day closing in I reached out to 247Sports.com national recruiting analyst Ryan Bartow this afternoon to get his thoughts on UM's 2016 recruiting class.
The Hurricanes head into Wednesday with 17 commitments including nine four-star recruits.
Bartow, who speaks to hundreds of players and coaches across the country and knows the South Florida area well, thinks coach Mark Richt has done a good job in the little time he has had to put Miami's 2016 class together. The Hurricanes' class currently ranks 17th nationally by 247Sports.com.
"I think its difficult for any new staff to come in [and be successful] because recruiting now is a two to three year relationship with these kids," Bartow said.
"Obviously he's there for a reason because the other guy for whatever reason didn't get the job done. [Al Golden] couldn't do it like almost everybody did it in years past there. [Richt] obviously has some rebuilding to do on the current roster and in rebuilding the rapport with local recruits and in-state recruits and multiple high school coaches. A lot of these kids grew up and they didn't see the dominant Miami teams that previous generations did. So, he's there for a reason. And he's got to rebuild what was the worst regime at UM under Al Golden. That's going to take time. It's not a quick fix. I know that's not what the fans want to hear, but that's reality."
Bartow, like most national analysts I've spoken to in the last week, believe Miami's linebacker class of Shaquille Quarterman, Zach McCloud and Michael Pinckney rank among the best in the country and is the strength of the class.
"I think the linebacker class is awesome," Bartow said. "It's not what me and you know like Jesse Armstead and Darrin Smith and Micheal Barrow, which is probably their best linebacker trio ever. But it's pretty doggone good. It's a talent upgrade. That position, linebacker, Miami hasn't signed a linebacker class like that in a decade. They haven't walked through the door. And they're all early enrollees. They all have size and good mentalities. They're studs. So that's the strength of their class."
Bartow believes the Hurricanes will add Wellington four-star and U.S. Army All-American receiver Ahmmon Richards back to its class on Wednesday. Richards, who will announce his decision at noon Wednesday, is choosing between UM and Alabama. With Richards, Bartow said, Miami will address its needs at receiver. Without him, however, maybe not.
"I like a couple of the receivers coming in," he said. "I think Sam Bruce is a dynamic slot receiver with a lot of personality.
"I think the tight end, Jovani Haskins, if they hold onto him, he's a four-star guy on 247. He's really good. And, lets not forget they have another legacy in this class too in Mike Irvin Jr., who is a really good tight end.
"Latrell Williams is an absolute sleeper for them at wide receiver. They normally don't have to go past Palm Beach to get their receivers, but they found a gem there in North Florida."
How about the other need areas on defense like cornerback and defensive line?
"Tyler Byrd, we'll see. I'm hearing he's a flip tomorrow to Tennessee to go with his teammate there from Naples.
"I like the two defensive ends. Joe Jackson has a huge ceiling. He doesn't even realize how good he could be. I think Patrick Bethel is a four-star, high motor, legacy guy. He can bring some toughness and add to their pass rush. I think their defense -- running 4-3, which Miami should of run is going to be better is going to be better just based on scheme going forward. Adding guys like Jackson and Bethel, which are need areas, are pretty big.
"Malek Young, who was not the best prospect at Coconut Creek but their best player, he's a really good nickel corner that can help them on special teams. He's a great kid. That was a big get to keep him locally."
How did Miami do locally in Bartow's opinion?
"I think Miami did a great job in Palm Beach this year. Dade, a lot of the best kids are leaving. Same thing with Broward. That happens. That's on the previous regime. But they did a great job. I think they got the best three in Palm Beach. I think Ahmmon Richards is going to fall their way. And they've already got McCloud and Homer in the boat. Those are all three four-star studs.
"Travis Homer, I think he's a home run hitter at running back."
Bartow said the Canes did good in getting 6-7, 295-pound Orlando-based offensive tackle and three-star recruit Tre Johnson Monday because he helps fill a need and "has the type of body you're looking for." But he said there are still holes in this class and that Miami will have to load up on offensive linemen in 2017.
"I think this class obviously upgraded its talent at linebacker," Bartow said. "It got some receivers in Richards and Bruce that will be able to help right away. I think you've got a stud back in Homer, two really good tight ends. You're grooming [Jack] Allison to be the [quarterback] after [Brad] Kaaya. You have two really good defensive ends in Jackson and Bethel.
"But I do think this class has holes in three areas. Cornerback depth is a need area on Miami's roster. But the two biggest things again for the second year in a row they did not fill their needs at defensive tackle. I think they need to sign three or four next year at defensive tackle. And you did not fill your need at offensive tackle and you probably need to oversign at that position next cycle next year too.
"Now, it's a really good year at offensive tackle with five potential national recruits at that position. They have their work cut out for them to convince them to stay home. But at the same time this new staff is going to see that spring ball. When they are practicing they'll find out that there are probably 20 guys that shouldn't be there and have major holes to fill at d-tackle and offensive tackle."
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